James Hardee - 280Z

On this past Friday, I had the opportunity to go to Orlando to shoot a few cars and get to know a few of the guys from Orlando's drift scene a little better. Marco's Genesis green S13 was the star of the night, but there was another car that captured my interest even more than this drift machine. James Hardee, a 25 year old sales manager for Michaels Autos, also came out to the shoot, but not in a 240sx like he's had in the past, but in his newest addition to his car collection, a 1978 Datsun 280z.

When one typically thinks of the 70s, not a whole lot of attractive cars come to mind like the stars of the auto world from the 60s and 90s, but this is definitely one car not to miss! Here's what James had to say about his newest addition:

BB: Before we talk about the car, how did you get into cars and drifting?

JH: "Always have been into drifting with both 240's and [my] Z32. Started, naturally, street sliding for years and eventually moved on to do a few events at CFRC [a small grassroots track located in Orlando]. Also [raced at] several track racing (grip) events at the Gainesville raceway with the South Florida Z Car Club with the Z32."

BB: So Nissan has had a big part in your automotive life?

JH: "I have been a Nissan owner for 10 years and in a family of Z car owners (Dad had several S30 chassis Z's). I have had 3 240sx s13's in the past and currently have a 92 Z32TT (built and TT swapped) [which I've] owned for 8 years and counting."

BB: So after 240s and a Z32 you still have, how did you end up with a 70s 280z?

JH: "Traded a bone stock s13 hatch for the car. 280z was a garage kept, Cali car for 30 years till the original owner died and willed it to his brother (Angel). Angel was trying to find a Z enthusiast to keep the car in close to original condition (drivetrain, body, etc.). Owner kept harassing me for 6 months to buy the car even though I expressed [that] I didn't have the money. Eventually offered to trade for my bone stock 92 s13 hatch. [He] happily accepted the offer and traded in a heartbeat. The whole experience has been surreal to say the least. It has always been a dream to own both an S30 and a Z32; its still hard to believe every time I open my front door and see them both there."

BB: So what is on the 280z now and what are your plans for the future?

JH: "It has a stock L28 motor and 5 speed transmission, probably won't touch it since I plan to drive it every day. The wheels are 14x10 and 14x8 Diamond Racing whels. Rear overfenders are on right now but planning on getting front to match it, as well as to slam the front for a raked stance and to acquire JDM fender mirrors."

So which do I pick for the night, a heavily modified 90s drift car or a classy 70s daily driver? Well that depends on the situation lol. A look at the rest of the shoot is coming soon!

-Brice-